Influencer Twins Face Customer Fury Over Shrinking $88 Sweatpants
Twin influencers Brigette and Danielle Pheloung are confronting significant backlash after a customer publicly claimed that a pair of $88 sweatpants from their fashion brand shrank dramatically during washing. The 28-year-old sisters, who launched their brand Phe Phe in November 2025, have built a combined Instagram following of 2.3 million by showcasing designer wardrobes and a glamorous New York City lifestyle.
Customer Complaint Goes Viral on Social Media
The controversy erupted when customer Claire Fredman posted a TikTok video detailing how the brand's pink 'waffle pants' unexpectedly shrank in the wash. Her video, captioned '@phephe PLEASE HELP ME U GUYS,' quickly attracted attention and criticism. Viewers noted that not only did the pants become noticeably shorter, but the color also faded drastically from light pink to very-light pink.
Social media users were quick to criticize both the product quality and the price point. One commenter questioned, 'Why would u think their brand would be quality in the first place,' while another called it 'wild' to spend $88 on such pants. A third added, 'Why anyone is buying this heinous brand is beyond me.'
Multiple Customers Report Similar Issues
The initial complaint sparked numerous similar reports from other Phe Phe customers. One user claimed, 'MINE DID TOO. I followed the washing instructions too,' while another stated, 'My Phe Phe top was ruined after hand washing.' A particularly frustrated customer revealed they had contacted the company about shrinkage and were advised to air dry the pants, despite this conflicting with the care instructions on the brand's website.
'I replied saying that's different from the care instructions on the website (I did air dry tho) and they still shrunk,' the customer explained. After initially refusing a refund or exchange, the company eventually offered a 20 percent discount as compensation.
Backlash Extends Beyond TikTok to Reddit
The criticism wasn't confined to TikTok, as Reddit users also mocked the brand and its customers. One Redditor commented, 'I have no sympathy for anyone who spends $100 on pants that say phephe on the butt.' Another wrote, 'I can't feel bad for the people falling for this and actually buying this crap. What did they expect?'
Not the First Controversy for the Fashion Influencers
This incident marks another in a series of controversies for the Pheloung twins. Last May, Brigette faced criticism for wearing an outfit during a Paris trip that some described as making her 'look like a pirate.' Despite her fashion influencer status, the ensemble worn at the Ritz Carlton Paris—where rooms cost up to $2,383 per night—was deemed a fashion faux pas by many followers.
Brigette, who goes by Acquired Style online, previously went viral for wearing an extravagant outfit to Thanksgiving dinner in 2024, where a child mistook her dress for a blanket. The twins also made headlines for revealing they share one bra and all their underwear between them.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Phe Phe for comment regarding the sweatpants controversy, but no response has been published at this time.
